Blow-up swimming pool

ABSTRACT

A blow-up swimming pool that has an inflatable wall structure, a fan conductively coupled to the wall structure, a one-way air valve, and a blower control system for controlling the fan and the one-way air valve. The one-way air valve is disposed between the blower control system and the inflatable wall structure.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in generally to portable swimming pools.

2. Description of Related Art

Portable pools, or above ground pools, have been around for some time as a more cost-effective and less permanent alternative to in-ground pools. These portable pools typically come in two types hard sided and soft sided. Soft sided portable pools are typically inflatable or have a frame and sidewall construction. Inflatable portable pools are generally the most portable, as they can be quickly inflated for use, and quickly deflated for storage. Some inflatable pools only require inflation of a small portion of the pool, usually a ring at the top, and use the weight of the water to support the walls. Other inflatable pools require inflation of the entire pool structure.

One issue with inflatable pools is that eventually, air will leak and the pool will begin to deflate. With large inflatable pools that are intended to be used for longer periods of time (e.g., more than a day), it would be convenient to have a blower attached to easily inflate the pool. Blowers are, however, noisy and can make it difficult for swimmers to enjoy the pool. Although great strides have been made in the area of portable pools, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable blow-up swimming pool according to the present application; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an inflatable blow-up swimming pool according to the present application.

While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, combinations, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the blow-up swimming pool are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1 in the drawings, the preferred embodiment of a portable inflatable blow-up pool 102 with a blower control system 100 according to the present application is illustrated. Blower control system 100 comprises at least one blower 101, a control system 103, a control panel 105, including a wireless control system, such as a smart phone or tablet PC, a connector 107, and one or more one-way valves 109. Valve 109 allows blower 101 to inflate portable pool 102, but prevents air from flowing back into blower 101, allowing pool 102 to hold air while blower 101 is turned off.

Control system 103 preferably includes sensors, such as flow sensors 190, pressure sensors 192, a timer 194 (within control system 103), wireless transmitters and receivers 196 and 198, and circuity to monitor and connect these sensors and components 190, 192, 194, 196, 198 to control system 103. This configuration allows control system 103 to detect, respond to, and control selected operational parameters, such as automatically opening and closing valves 109 under selected and/or predefined conditions. Flow sensors 190 can be used to measure the air flow passing through control valve 109. Pressure sensors 192 can be used to measure and sense certain pressure conditions, such as the air pressure within the walled structure, the hydrostatic water pressure on the walled structure 121, etc. Wireless transmitters and receivers 196, 198 can be placed through the walled structure 121 and at different areas of interest to allow sensors 190, 192, 194 to communicate with control system 103.

Control panel 105 allows a user to open and close valve 109 on command, as well as, program blower control system 100 to turn blower 101 on and off and open and close valves 109 accordingly. For example, a user can use control panel 105 to set a minimum threshold pressure level that would cause blower 101 to automatically turn on so that pool 102 is not underinflated. Similarly, the user could set a maximum threshold pressure level that could cause blower 101 to automatically turn off so that pool 102 is not overinflated. In the preferred embodiment, control system 100 automatically opens valve 109 when blower 101 turns on and automatically closes valves 109 when blower 101 turns off. In some embodiments, control panel 105 may be a simple control panel with physical buttons. In other embodiments, control panel 105 may be a more complex touchscreen system that allows a user to program control system 103 directly. Control panel 105 can also provide information to the user about the system, such as current sensor readings, amount of time blower 101 has been on or off, the recommended threshold levels for each sensor, any current programmed thresholds, etc., and notify the user of certain conditions through visual and/or auditory means, such as flashing the text or colors on the screen, beeping, blaring sirens, etc.

Because control system 100 requires an electrical connection and is located near water, it should be understood that the components of blower control system 100 are preferably sealed and waterproof. For example, blower 101 may be enclosed in a waterproof, or at a minimum, water resistant, casing and should be plugged into an outdoor plug that has a weatherproof cover. Such safety measures are required to prevent electrocution and make blower control system 100 safe to use around water.

Pool 102 comprises a ballast chamber 111 and walls 121. Ballast chamber 111 comprises a port 113 and a baffle system 119. A water hose 115 can be connected to port 113 through an isolation valve 117 to fill ballast chamber 111 in order to increase the comfort for the users by creating a cushion between the hard ground and the bottom of pool 102. Isolation valve 117 allows the user to regulate the water flow into and out of ballast chamber 111, so that filling and draining of ballast chamber 111 is done in a controlled manner. In some embodiments, isolation valve 117 can be opened and closed manually by the user. In other embodiments, isolation valve 117 may be opened and closed automatically by control system 103. Ballast chamber 111 also provides additional support for walls 121.

Baffle system 119 provides structural support and prevents the water in ballast chamber 111 from accumulating excessively in one area and creating an uneven floor for pool 102, or from undesirable shifting of the water in ballast chamber 111. While baffle system 119 is depicted as having rectangular sections, it should be understood that the sections in baffle system 119 can be in any shape, such as square or pyramid, and/or of varying heights. In an alternative embodiment, ballast chamber 111 can be filled with another type of liquid, gel, air, or a combination of liquid, gel and/or air.

Pool 102 is made of a heavy-duty material that is puncture proof and all seams are preferably double to quadruple stitched in addition to fully sealed to ensure that air does not leak out of and water does not leak into the interior of walls 121. Corners 123 are preferably further reinforced and may include additional layers of heavy-duty material and stitching.

Port 125 provides a means for filling pool 102 with water. Isolation valve 127 is connected to port 125 and allows the user to regulate the water flow into and out of pool 102, so that filling and draining of pool 102 is done in a controlled manner. In the preferred embodiment, isolation valve 127 is normally placed in the closed position and then opened when filling or draining pool 102. For example, the user can connect a hose to isolation valve 127 in order to fill pool 102 easily or drain pool 102 directly into a designated location, such as a sewer drain. In some embodiments, isolation valve 127 can be opened and closed manually by the user. In other embodiments, isolation valve 127 may be opened and closed automatically by control system 105.

Pool 102 may also include a chlorine or chemical cleansing dispenser 129 and a ladder 131. Dispenser 129 helps distribute chlorine, bromine, or other chemicals in pool 102. Since pool 102 is at least three feet deep in the preferred embodiment, ladder 131 helps swimmers get into and out of pool 102 safely. Ladder 131 is attached to wall 121 and is blown up by blower 101. In the preferred embodiment, ladder 131 is includes a non-slip or gripping material on each step to prevent the user from slipping. For example, the steps on ladder 131 may include gripping tape. Although an outside attached ladder is shown, it should be understood that any type of pool ladder may be used, such an in-pool ladder, an a-frame ladder, etc., and the ladder may be an integral part of the structure of pool 102 or an entirely separate structure.

Referring now also to FIG. 2 in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of a portable pool 202 with a control system 200 and a filtration system 204 according to the present application is illustrated. Control system 200 is similar to control system 100 and comprises a blower 201, a control system 203, a control panel 205, a connector 207 and a one-way valve 209. Valve 209 allows blower 201 to inflate portable pool 202, but prevents air from flowing back into blower 201, allowing pool 202 to hold air while blower 201 is turned off.

Control system 203 also includes sensors, such as flow sensors 290, pressure sensors 292, a timer 294 (within control system 203), wireless transmitters and receivers 296 and 298, and circuity to monitor and connect these sensors and components 290, 292, 294, 296, 298 to control system 203. This configuration allows control system 203 to detect, respond to, and control selected operational parameters, such as automatically opening and closing valves 209 under selected and/or predefined conditions. Flow sensors 290 can be used to measure the air flow passing through control valves 209. Pressure sensors 292 can be used to measure and sense certain pressure conditions, such as the air pressure within the walled structure, the hydrostatic water pressure on the walled structure 221, etc. Wireless transmitters and receivers 296, 298 can be placed through the walled structure 221 and at different areas of interest to allow sensors 290, 292, 294 to communicate with control system 203.

Control panel 205 allows a user to open and close valve 209 on command, as well as, program blower control system 200 to turn blower 201 on and off and open and close valve 209 accordingly. For example, a user can use control panel 205 to set a minimum threshold pressure level that would cause blower 201 to automatically turn on so that pool 202 is not underinflated. Similarly, the user could set a maximum threshold pressure level that could cause blower 201 to automatically turn off so that pool 202 is not overinflated. In the preferred embodiment, blower control system 200 automatically opens valve 209 when blower 201 turns on and automatically closes valve 209 when blower 201 turns off. In some embodiments, control panel 205 may be a simple control panel with physical buttons. In other embodiments, control panel 205 may be a more complex touchscreen system that allows a user to program control system 203 directly. Control panel 205 can also provide information to the user about the system, such as current sensor readings, amount of time the blower has been on or off, the recommended threshold levels for each sensor, any current programmed thresholds, etc., and notify the user of certain conditions through visual and/or auditory means, such as flashing the text or colors on the screen, beeping, blaring sirens, etc.

Since blower control system 200 requires an electrical connection and is located near water, it should be understood that the components of blower control system 200 require waterproofing. For example, blower 201 may be enclosed in a waterproof, or at a minimum, water resistant, casing and should be plugged into an outdoor plug that has a weatherproof cover. Such safety measures are required to prevent electrocution and make blower control system 200 safe to use around water.

Pool 202 comprises a ballast chamber 211, a ballast chamber 219, walls 231, a canopy wall 233, and one or more decorative and/or functional structures, such as a palm tree 235. Ballast chamber 211 comprises a port 213 and a baffle system 219. A water hose 215 can be connected to port 213 through isolation valve 217 to fill ballast chamber 211 in order to increase the comfort for the users by creating a cushion between the hard ground and the bottom of pool 202. Ballast chamber 211 also provides additional support for walls 231. Isolation valve 217 allows the user to regulate the water flow into and out of ballast chamber 211 so that filling and draining of ballast chamber 211 is done in a controlled manner. In some embodiments, isolation valve 217 can be opened and closed manually by the user. In other embodiments, isolation valve 217 may be opened and closed automatically by control system 205.

Baffle system 219 provides structural support and prevents the water in ballast chamber 211 from accumulating excessively in one area and creating an uneven floor for pool 202. While baffle system 219 is depicted as having rectangular sections, it should be understood that the sections in baffle system 219 can be in any shape, such as square or pyramid, and/or of varying heights. In an alternative embodiment, ballast chamber 211 can be filled with another type of liquid, gel, air, or a combination of liquid, gel and/or air.

Ballast chamber 221 comprises a port 223 and a baffle system 229. Water hose 225 can be connected to port 223 through isolation valve 227 to fill ballast chamber 221 in order to provide a shallow end or sunbathing deck in pool 202. Isolation valve 227 allows the user to regulate the water flow into and out of ballast chamber 221 so that filling and draining of ballast chamber 221 is done in a controlled manner. In some embodiments, isolation valve 227 can be opened and closed manually by the user. In other embodiments, isolation valve 227 may be opened and closed automatically by control system 205.

Although ballast chambers 211 and 221 are depicted as different heights, it should be understood that ballast chambers 211 and 221 can be also be the same height. Even if ballast chamber 221 creates a shallow end, the height of pool 202 may require the use of a ladder to help swimmers get into and out of pool 202 safely.

Canopy wall 233 extends directly from wall 231 and is “L” shaped to provide shade for swimmers. In some embodiments, canopy wall 233 may be use for decorative purposes. For example, canopy wall 233 may display images that are personalized for the user, such as promotional indicia and/or logos, personal photos, or may be generic, such as animals, super heroes, and other popular party themes. Alternatively, canopy wall 233 can be any shape such as animals, super heroes, and other popular party themes.

Palm tree 235 is connected to ballast chamber 221 and is inflated in the same manner that ballast chamber 221 is inflated. Palm tree 235 can include a dripper system 257 that drips water from the leaves of palm tree 235 to cool off swimmers or provide some fun for small swimmers. It should be understood that dripper system 257 can be any type of water system, such as a misting system, fountain, and/or spray system. Alternatively, palm tree 235 can be replaced with any desired feature that is common to inflatable pools, such as a slide, basketball hoop, water cannon, crawl tunnel, ring toss, climbing wall, etc.

Pool 202 is made of a heavy duty material that is puncture proof and all seams are double to quadruple stitched in addition to fully sealed to ensure that air does not leak out of and water does not leak into the interior of walls 231. Corners 237 are further reinforced and may include additional layers of heavy duty material and stitching.

Filtration system 204 comprises a combination filter and pump 239, a return hose 241, a return wall fitting 243, a suction hose 245, a suction wall fitting 247, and a skimmer 249. Filter and pump combo 239 can be an above-ground filtration system, including those using sand, cartridge, and/or Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters. Return hose 241 goes from filter and pump combo 239 and connects to return wall fitting 243. Suction hose 245 goes from filter and pump combo 239 and connects to suction wall fitting 247. Debris from pool 202 is captured in skimmer 249 and flows through suction hose 245 to filter and pump combo 239. Once filter and pump combo 239 filters the water, it pumps the water through return hose 241 to be placed back into pool 202. Having filtration system 204 attached to pool 202 allows for longer use of the pool without having to constantly replace the water.

Since filtration system 204 requires an electrical connection and is located near water, it should be understood that the components of filtration system 204 require waterproofing. For example, filter and pump combo 239 may be enclosed in a waterproof, or at a minimum, water resistant, casing and should be plugged into an outdoor plug that has a weatherproof cover. Such safety measures are required to prevent electrocution and make filtration system 204 safe to use around water.

Port 251 provides a means for filling pool 202 with water. Isolation valve 253 is connected to port 251 and allows the user to regulate the water flow into and out of pool 202 so that filling and draining of pool 202 is done in a controlled manner. In the preferred embodiment, isolation valve 253 is normally placed in the closed position and then opened when filling or draining pool 202. For example, the user can connect a hose to isolation valve 253 in order to fill pool 202 easily or drain pool 202 directly into a designated location, such as a sewer drain. In some embodiments, isolation valve 253 can be opened and closed manually by the user. In other embodiments, isolation valve 253 may be opened and closed automatically by control system 205.

Heating system 255 can be added to pool 202 to keep the water warm during cooler days, or to turn pool 202 into a hot tub. It should be understood that if heating system 255 is used, the heating system 255 can be plumbed into filtration system 204 via hoses and valves, including manual and/or automated valves. Heating system 255 may be electric, gas, or a combination of both.

It is apparent that a system and method with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

I claim:
 1. A blow-up swimming pool, comprising: an inflatable wall structure; at least one fan conductively coupled to the wall structure; at least one one-way air valve; and a control system for selectively controlling the fan and the one-way air valve; wherein the one-way air valve is disposed between the control system and the inflatable wall structure.
 2. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the control system is programmable.
 3. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the control system comprises at least one of the following: at least one pressure sensor for sensing selected air and water pressure parameters; at least one flow sensor for sensing air flow through the one-way air valve; a timer; and at least one wireless transmitter and receiver.
 4. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 2, wherein the control system automatically opens or closes the one-way air valve.
 5. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the control system further comprises: a control panel.
 6. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 5, wherein the control panel comprises: a touchscreen display.
 7. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 5, wherein the control panel programs the control system.
 8. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: a conduit disposed between the fan and the one-way air valve.
 9. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: a filtration system.
 10. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one ballast chamber for receiving a fluid ballast.
 11. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 10, wherein the at least one ballast chamber comprises: a ballast chamber isolation valve to control the filling and emptying of the at least one ballast chamber with the fluid ballast.
 12. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 11, wherein the control system is programmed to automatically open and close the ballast chamber isolation valve.
 13. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 10, wherein the at least one ballast chamber comprises: a baffle system for restricting the flow of the fluid ballast within the at least one ballast chamber.
 14. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable wall structure has reinforced portions.
 15. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: a water isolation valve connected to the inflatable wall structure.
 16. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed to automatically open and close the water isolation valve.
 17. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: a canopy wall.
 18. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: a water drip system.
 19. The blow-up swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising: a heating system. 